Well, what have we here? It seems that popular mega-retailer Target has quietly released an Android application into the market. Though the 1.0.1 release is still fairly basic, it still manages to sport all the basics people might need from an Android app, and will hopefully only get better with time.

The main screen has three ways to view Target content; users can view the weekly ad for their region, view clearance items, or college essentials. I assume the college essentials will be a seasonal topic that will change from time to time, but without an official press release (that I can find anyway), it’s a bit too soon to tell.

After perusing a bit through some items, it doesn’t appear that you can purchase anything directly through the Target application, but you can view the item’s availability at nearby stores (right down to the aisle you can find the product on), and get directions and store hours for your store of choice. This feature could come in pretty handy, though it would be very nice to see them add the ability to purchase items from directly within the application.

One additional feature the Target app integrates that is a bit surprising is a barcode scanner. I don’t know what use the barcode scanner is going to have other than looking up a price for something that might not have a price displayed, but the inclusion of the scanner is enough to pique my curiosity. I don’t believe Target would go the route of allowing customers to price compare like a ShopSavvy or a Barcode Scanner would, so time will tell whether or not the barcode scanner will actually come in handy for anything.

The Target app is currently available in the Android Market for the low, low price of free. Head on over to the market and download it today! Make sure to let us know what you think about the Target application in the comments.

I agree! Right now, I’m signed up for their mobile coupons, but it would be great if it was integrated with their app. And, app-only coupons would definitely be a good incentive to download the app ^_^

The barcode scanner makes sense. In the store, they have price check scanners scattered throughout, that way you can take an item that it not marked and check its price without too much hassle. Being able to do that directly from your phone is just them extending an already in-store service to the app.

Being able to use the scanner for price-comparisons in other retail stores is, I’m sure, just an added bonus.

This probably isn’t appreciated; but, remember that Target spends big bucks on anti-gay and generally right wing candidates as does Best Buy. I’m not gay; but, I really hate the idea of discrimination in any form. Finally, I’ve loved Target – there’s one down the main street a little way – it’s a pain to boycott it and Best Buy because of their political stances.

Having been in the upper offices in the corporate management arena I can tell you that Corp. donations go to whomever is proposing/supporting whatever policy that’s better for the bottom line of the business. Whatever other morals, stances, or opinions of the candidate is completely ignored. It’s all about the bottom line, usually lower taxes on the business.

The barcode scanner can be for giftcards. Last time I was Target, right where the giftcards were, the was a little sign advertising texting giftcards and the ability to show a barcode for one on your phone to make purchases.

i have the same problem with samsung epic.. the target app says if the product available at the store, but not the aisle location.. any reason for that. i sent email to target support, have not heard back

Be careful when you go to get this app. Search on “Target store”. When I searched just on “Target”, two apps came up that were not this app. One that wants you to pay $3, and another which wants way more information than such an app needs.